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Bishop Pierre Whalon concerning the attack on Charlie Hebdo

[Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe] Bishop Pierre Whalon of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe has issued a statement following the Jan. 7 terrorist attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris. The statement follows in English and French.

As spontaneous gatherings of solidarity with the victims are happening in dozens of cities across France even as I pen these words, it should be clear to all that this attempt to divide and intimidate people has failed. Certainly, Charlie Hebdo is adept at satirizing religion, including my own. It also routinely makes fun of all sorts of other subjects and people. This is their right. Freedom of expression is the only guarantor of liberty, including the freedom of worship, however.

After the cowardly attack here in Paris today on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which included the cold-blooded execution of a wounded police officer, the first voices to express their outrage were Muslim leaders. Among them was Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, whom I have known and admired for many years. I join with him in deploring this ungodly attack, “unworthy of Islam,” and echo his call not to confuse Muslims with the “criminals” who perpetrated this vile act.

I call on all people of good will to pray as they feel able for the repose of the victims, for their families and friends whose lives will never be the same again. We must ask for healing for the wounded as well. We must also pray for the assassins, that they turn from violence and accept judgment. And our prayers must be accompanied by acts to help the nation heal and grow stronger in solidarity. ‘We are all Charlie.’